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http://hdl.handle.net/1942/11219
Title: | The auto-antigen repertoire in myasthenia gravis | Authors: | Vrolix, Kathleen FRAUSSEN, Judith Molenaar, Peter C. Losen, Mario SOMERS, Veerle STINISSEN, Piet DE BAETS, Marc Martinez-Martinez, Pilar |
Issue Date: | 2010 | Publisher: | TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD | Source: | AUTOIMMUNITY, 43 (5-6). p. 380-400 | Abstract: | Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an antibody-mediated autoimmune disorder affecting the postsynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). MG is characterized by an impaired signal transmission between the motor neuron and the skeletal muscle cell, caused by auto-antibodies directed against NMJ proteins. The auto-antibodies target the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) in about 90% of MG patients. In approximately 5% of MG patients, the muscle specific kinase (MuSK) is the auto-antigen. In the remaining 5% of MG patients, however, antibodies against the nAChR or MuSK are not detectable (idiopathic MG, iMG). Although only the anti-nAChR and anti-MuSK auto-antibodies have been demonstrated to be pathogenic, several other antibodies recognizing self-antigens can also be found in MG patients. Various auto-antibodies associated with thymic abnormalities have been reported, as well as many non-MG-specific auto-antibodies. However, their contribution to the cause, pathology and severity of the disease is still poorly understood. Here, we comprehensively review the reported auto-antibodies in MG patients and discuss their role in the pathology of this autoimmune disease. | Notes: | [Martinez-Martinez, Pilar] Maastricht Univ, Sch Mental Hlth & Neurosci, Fac Hlth Med & Life Sci, Dept Neurosci,Neuroimmunol Grp,Div Neurosci, NL-6200 MD Maastricht, Netherlands. [Fraussen, Judith; Somers, Veerle; Stinissen, Piet; De Baets, Marc H.] Hasselt Univ, Sch Life Sci, Biomed Res Inst, Diepenbeek, Belgium. [Fraussen, Judith; Somers, Veerle; Stinissen, Piet; De Baets, Marc H.] Hasselt Univ, Transnatl Univ Limburg, Diepenbeek, Belgium. p.martinez@maastrichtuniversity.nl | Keywords: | Myasthenia gravis; auto-antibodies; auto-antigens; autoimmunity;Myasthenia gravis; auto-antibodies; auto-antigens; autoimmunity | Document URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/1942/11219 | ISSN: | 0891-6934 | e-ISSN: | 1607-842X | DOI: | 10.3109/08916930903518073 | ISI #: | 000281961100005 | Category: | A1 | Type: | Journal Contribution | Validations: | ecoom 2011 |
Appears in Collections: | Research publications |
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